Shoe, especially sports shoe

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, having a shoe upper. The shoe upper consists at least partially of a knitted fabric. The shoe upper has a plurality of loops for threading a lace to allow the tying of the shoe at the foot of a wearer by means of the lace. To provide an easy and efficient method for adjusting the lacing or tying of the shoe at the foot of the wearer individually, at least a part of the loops consist of a knitted fabric. The loops have the shape of a tubular body which forms a passage for the lace.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/619,764 filed Dec. 5, 2019; which is a U.S. National Stageapplication, filed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 371, of internationalapplication no. PCT/EP2017/000750, filed on Jun. 27, 2017, the contentsof which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The invention relates to a shoe, especially to a sports shoe, comprisinga shoe upper, wherein the shoe upper consists at least partially of aknitted fabric, wherein the shoe upper has a plurality of loops forthreading a lace to allow the tying of the shoe at the foot of a wearerby means of the lace, wherein the loops are a physical structure thatdefine a plurality of channels, the channels being the negative spacedefined by the loops, and wherein the term “tunnel” refers to both thephysical structure of the loop and the negative space of the channel,and wherein at least a part of the loops consist of a knitted fabric,wherein the loops have the shape of a tubular body which forms a passagefor the lace.

Usual lacing devices of shoes, especially of sports shoes, have loopswhich are arranged at a tying strip which is connected with the shoeupper or is part of the same. The loops are arranged near the tongue ofthe shoe.

Thus, the ability of the shoe to adapt the lacing or tying to anindividual shape of the foot of the wearer is limited. Individualdemands can normally not be fulfilled. This can lead to a lose fit ofthe shoe or to pressure marks at the foot of the wearer.

A shoe of the generic kind is shown in EP 3 114 951 A1. Similarsolutions are disclosed in US 2016/0302524 A1 and US 2008/0110048 A1.

It is an object of the present invention to propose a shoe, especially asports shoe, which provides an easy and efficient possibility to adjustthe lacing or tying of the shoe at the foot of the wearer veryindividually.

The solution of this object according to the invention is characterizedin that the knitted fabric of the shoe upper and the knitted fabric ofthe loops form a unitary knit construction, wherein the loops areconnected with the knitted fabric of the shoe upper only by the knittedconstruction and are free from any means for transferring a tying force(like for example tensile strands which are arranged on or in the shoeupper).

At least a part of the loops can have an outer diameter and an innerdiameter to form the tubular body for receiving the lace, wherein thetubular body has a length, wherein the length is at least 100% of theouter diameter. Preferably, the length is at least 150%, specifically atleast 200%, of the outer diameter. Each loop consists of a plurality ofknitted rows of yarn.

The tubular body of the loops and channels can have an axial direction,wherein the axial direction is oriented in the longitudinal direction ofthe shoe or draws an angle to the longitudinal direction below 30°,preferably below 25°. The longitudinal direction of the shoe is definedby a longitudinal plane that is parallel with respect to a restingsurface when the shoe is resting on the resting surface. But thisorientation of the loops is not mandatory. It is also possible to orientthe loops under another angle up to 90° to the longitudinal direction(i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).

Preferably a number of loops is arranged in such a manner that the loopshave the same axial direction.

The loops are preferably distanced from another by a distance, measuredperpendicular to the axial direction, wherein the distance is between 2mm and 25 mm.

The knitted fabric of the shoe upper can form a single layer which bearsthe loops.

An alternative embodiment provides that the knitted fabric of the shoeupper has at least two layers, wherein the upper layer bears the loops.In this case it can be provided that the layer below the upper layer isconnected with the upper layer but has no contact with the loops.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the yarn of theshoe upper can consist of or comprise polyester or polyamide. Also, theyarn of the loops can consist of or comprise polyester or polyamide. Ofcourse, also other kinds of yarn are suitable.

The yarns of the shoe upper and of the loops can be different in atleast one (physical) property. Specifically, the yarns of the shoe upperand of the loops can have different colors. Of course, it is alsopossible to use the same yarn for the shoe upper and the loops.

By the proposed concept it is possible to provide a plurality of loopsfor threading of the lace which can be selected according to individualdemands. The loops for the lace are distributed along a quite large areaof the shoe upper so that the user can select the required loopsaccording to his or her individual demands. So the lacing or tying ofthe shoe can be adapted perfectly not only to the shape of the foot ofthe wearer; it is also possible to take specific demands inconsideration which depend on the type of sports and specific trainingsituations.

It is also possible for specific types of sport or training situationsto tie the shoe at the foot of the wearer to fix the shoe specificallyfor lateral or forward movements or to give more hold in the heelregion.

Also with respect to this aspect the proposed shoe has advantagescompared with pre-known solutions.

Thus, a knitted section of the shoe upper—which is relevant for tyingthe shoe at the foot of the wearer—is supplied at the outer surface witha plurality of loops or channels (tunnels) which are designed anddimensioned for defining a passage for a lace. The loops are made insuch a manner that they are firmly connected with the knitted fabric toavoid pulling out the loops from the knitted fabric below.

A double layer knitted fabric (Double Jersey) is preferred, wherein theloops step out from the upper layer. The bottom layer is flat andensures the stability of the whole fabric. Also a knitted fabric as asingle layer (Single Jersey) is possible which then bears the pluralityof loops (tubes, channels or tunnels).

The shoe upper can consist completely of the knitted fabric.

The knitted tubular body which forms the loops can be produced withwell-known methods so that a specific description is not necessary here.Reference is made to the so-called Ottoman Stitch which allows theknitting of the loops on a respective knitting machine.

It was found that the knitted base material (made preferably frompolyester or polyamide) as well as the number of filaments in theknitting yarn define the tensile strength. Also the length of the loops(channels, tubes) has a respective influence with respect to thestability. Accordingly, it can be taken in consideration to enlarge thelength of the loops in the case of types of sports where specific highforces must be expected.

With regard to the knitting technique it should be mentioned that apreferred method is knitting the shoe upper from the right to the leftside (i. e. from the lateral side to the medial side of the shoe upper(or vise versa); normally, the shoe upper is knitted from the shoe tipto the heel (or vice versa).

In the drawings embodiments of the invention are shown.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a sports shoe,

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a part of the upper side of a shoeupper according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 shows the depiction according to FIG. 2 with a lace beingthreaded through a loop,

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a part of the upper side of a shoeupper according to a second embodiment of the invention and

FIG. 5 shows the depiction according to FIG. 4 with a lace beingthreaded through a loop.

In FIG. 1 a shoe 1 is shown which is a sports shoe. The shoe 1 has ashoe upper 2 and a sole structure 7 which is connected with the shoeupper 2. The shoe 1 has a lateral side, which would be proximate to theouter edge of the foot of a wearer and a medial side, which would beproximate to the inner edge of the foot of a wearer. In the present casethe shoe upper 2 consists completely from a knitted fabric. A specificdesign is provided to allow an individual tying of the shoe at the footof a wearer.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 a plurality of loops 3 are arranged at andextend from the outer surface defined by the first knitted layer of theshoe upper 2. At least some of the plurality of loops are disposed in aplurality of rows 9 along the upper. At least some of the plurality ofloops 3 can define a first plurality of loops that each define a firstchannel Additionally, at least some of the plurality of loops 3 candefine a second plurality of loops that each define a second channel. Atleast part of the loops 3 comprise or consist as well from a knittedfabric and form a unitary knitted construction together with the firstknitted base layer of the shoe upper 2.

Each loop 3 is designed as a tubular body which could also be defined aschannel or tunnel and is arranged for threading a lace 4. Thus, eachloop 3 forms a passage 8 for the lace 4 (see FIGS. 2 and 4).

As can be also seen from FIG. 1 the plurality of loops 3 is distributedat the outer side of the shoe upper 2 according to a specific pattern: Anumber of loops 3, which can define a first channel, a second channel, athird channel, a fourth channel, a fifth channel, a sixth channel, aseventh channel, an eighth channel, a ninth channel, a tenth channel, aneleventh channel, and/or a twelfth channel, is arranged in line alongtheir axial direction a. From FIGS. 1-5 it becomes apparent that loops(channels) arranged in line along their axial direction a can define arow. For example, the first channel and the second channel may becoaxial and define a first channel row, the third channel and the fourthchannel may be coaxial and define a second channel row, the fifthchannel and sixth channels may similarly define a third channel row, andso on. From FIGS. 1-5 it becomes apparent that a channel row may alsocomprise three or more channels. A number of such sets of loops 3 arearranged on the lateral side of the upper 2 of the shoe 1 with a certaindistance perpendicular to the mentioned axial direction a (details seeFIGS. 2 and 3), and define a subset of the plurality of loops 3 (“firstloops”) that are parallel to one another but separated by a distanceperpendicular to the mentioned axial direction, and are thus parallel toone another but not coaxial (i.e. are arranged in columns 10). FromFIGS. 2-5 it becomes apparent that at least two of loops 3, or at leastthree of loops 3, or more than three of loops 3, can define a set offirst loops.

That is, a plurality of possibilities is given for threading the lace 4through respective loops 3 so that the shoe 1 can be tied according toindividual demands at the foot of the wearer. From FIGS. 1-5 it becomesapparent that a lace can be threaded through at least one of the first,second, third, and fourth channel rows. From FIGS. 1-5 it also becomesapparent that the lace may, or may not, be configured for tying of theshoe at a foot of a wearer.

Details concerning the geometry of the loops 3 become apparent fromFIGS. 2 and 3. Here, it can be seen that each loop 3 forms ahollow-cylindrical body, i. e. the loop 3 has a tubular shape. Each loop3 has an outer diameter D and an inner diameter d as well as a length c,which extends in axial direction a of the loop 3.

FIG. 2 illustrates the top surface of the shoe upper 2 without lace 4,while the lace 4 is threaded through a loop 3 in FIG. 3.

From FIG. 2 it becomes apparent that a number of loops 3 can also definea subset of loops (“second loops”) that can be arranged coaxially to oneanother, i.e. the axial direction a of a number of loops 3, and theaxial direction of their respective channels, is identical. From FIGS.1-5 it becomes apparent that at least two of loops 3, or at least threeof loops 3, or more than three of loops 3, can define a subset of secondloops. The first plurality of loops are arranged coaxially to form afirst row. The second plurality of loops are arranged coaxially to forma second row. A number of those rows 9 of loops 3 can also define a setof “first loops” that is arranged side by side in columns 10, i.e.parallel to one another at a distance b measured perpendicular to theaxial direction a, wherein distance b is greater than 0 millimeters.From FIGS. 2-5 it becomes apparent that the first plurality of loopsforming the first row and the second plurality of loops forming thesecond row can be arranged side by side and/or in parallel with respectto one another. From FIG. 1 it becomes apparent that the first pluralityof loops and the second plurality of loops are provided on a lateralside of the upper 2 of shoe 1.

The axial direction a of the loops 3 is substantially oriented in thelongitudinal direction L of the shoe 1 (see FIG. 1). That is, the axialdirection a draws only a small angle α to the longitudinal direction Lwhich is below 30°, preferably below 25°. This allows an optimalthreading of the lace 4 and a good transfer of forces from the loop 3 tothe shoe upper 2.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3 the shoe upper 2 has only asingle layer of knitted fabric (Single Jersey). In FIGS. 4 and 5 anembodiment is depicted in which the shoe upper 2 consists of two layers5 and 6, namely of an upper layer 5 of the shoe upper 2 and a bottomlayer 6 of the shoe upper 2 (Double Jersey). The loops 3 are formed as aunitary knitted construction with the upper layer 5 while the bottomlayer 6 is connected with the upper layer 5 but not with the loops 3.

The depiction according FIG. 1 shows an embodiment which issubstantially on scale with regard to the dimensions of the loops 3.From FIGS. 1-5 it becomes apparent that a number of loops 3 can defineanother subset of loops (“third loops”) that can be part of the subsetof second loops that are arranged coaxially, while also simultaneouslybeing a part of the subset of first loops that are arranged parallel toone another at a distance b. From FIGS. 1-5 it becomes apparent that aplurality of loops 3 can define a subset of third loops.

The whole knitting construction of the shoe upper 2 including the loops3 can be produced on a knitting machine which is well known as such andallows an economical production of the shoe upper 2.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   1 Shoe-   2 Shoe upper-   3 Loop-   4 Lace-   5 Upper layer of the shoe upper-   6 Bottom layer of the shoe upper-   7 Sole-   8 Passage (channel)-   9 Rows of Loops-   10 Column of Loops-   11 Tunnel-   D Outer diameter of the loop-   d Inner diameter of the loop-   c Length of the loop-   a Axial direction of the loop-   b Distance between the loops-   L Longitudinal direction of the shoe-   α Angle

We claim:
 1. A shoe, comprising a knitted upper and a sole structure, the upper comprising: a first knitted layer defining an outer surface of the upper; and a plurality of loops, each of which comprises a channel, the plurality of loops extending from the upper, wherein at least a part of the plurality of loops comprise a knitted fabric, wherein each of the channels forms a passage for a lace that extends through the plurality of loops, wherein the first knitted layer and the knitted fabric of the plurality of loops are connected to form a unitary knit construction, wherein a longitudinal plane is parallel with respect to a resting surface when the shoe is resting on the resting surface, and wherein the channels comprise axes that each define an angle that is less than 30° offset from the longitudinal plane.
 2. The shoe of claim 1, wherein at least one of the channels defines an outer diameter and an inner diameter for receiving the lace, wherein the at least one channel has a length, wherein the length is at least 100% of the outer diameter.
 3. The shoe of claim 2, wherein the length is at least 200% of the outer diameter.
 4. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loops are disposed in a plurality of rows along the upper.
 5. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the axes each define an angle that is less than 25° offset from the longitudinal plane.
 6. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of loops are arranged such that the loops have the same axial direction.
 7. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the first knitted layer and the knitted fabric of the plurality of loops form a single layer which bears the channels.
 8. The shoe of claim 1, wherein a yarn of the first knitted layer consists of polyester or polyamide.
 9. The shoe of claim 1, wherein the lace is configured for tying of the shoe at a foot of a wearer.
 10. A shoe, comprising a knitted upper and a sole structure, the upper comprising: a first knitted layer defining an outer surface of the upper; and a plurality of loops, each of which comprises a channel, the plurality of loops extending from the upper; wherein each of the channels forms a passage for a lace that extends through at least some of the plurality of the loops, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of first loops, wherein each first loop is arranged such that its channel is parallel with respect to at least one other first loop from which it is separated by a distance B, measured perpendicular to an axial direction of the plurality of first loops, wherein B is greater than 0 millimeters, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of second loops, wherein each second loop is arranged such that its channel is coaxial with respect to at least one other second loop, and wherein at least a part of the plurality of loops comprises a knitted fabric.
 11. The shoe of claim 10, wherein a longitudinal plane is parallel with respect to a resting surface when the shoe is resting on the resting surface, and wherein the axes of at least one of the plurality of loops defines an angle that is between 0° and 30° offset from the longitudinal plane.
 12. The shoe of claim 10, comprising a column of first loops, and wherein the column of first loops comprises at least three first loops arranged such that each respective channel is parallel and separated by the distance B with respect to one another.
 13. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the second loops define a row of loops, and wherein the row of loops comprises at least three of the second loops arranged such that their respective channels are each coaxial with respect to one another.
 14. The shoe of claim 10, wherein B is between 2 and 25 millimeters.
 15. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a third loop, and wherein the third loop is one of the first loops and one of the second loops.
 16. The shoe of claim 15, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of third loops, and wherein each third loop is one of the first loops and one of the second loops.
 17. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the first knitted layer consists of a yarn made from polyester or polyamide.
 18. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the first knitted layer and the knitted fabric of the plurality of loops are connected to form a unitary knit construction.
 19. The shoe of claim 10, wherein the lace is configured for tying of the shoe at a foot of a wearer.
 20. A shoe, comprising a knitted upper and a sole structure, the upper comprising: a first knitted layer comprising polyester or polyamide, defining an outer surface of the upper; a plurality of loops, each of which comprises a channel, the plurality of loops extending from the upper; a row of second loops; wherein each of the channels forms a passage for a lace that extends through at least some of the plurality of the channels, Wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of first loops, wherein each of the first loops is arranged such that its channel is parallel with respect to at least one other first loop from which it is separated by a distance B, measured perpendicular to the axial direction of the loops, wherein B is between 2 and 25 millimeters, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of second loops, wherein each second loop is arranged such that its channel is coaxial with respect to at least one other second loop, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a row of second loops having at least three second loops arranged such that their respective channels are each coaxial with respect to one another, wherein the plurality of loops comprises a plurality of third loops, wherein each of the third loops is one of the first loops and one of the second loops, and wherein at least a part of the plurality of loops comprise a knitted fabric. 